PETALING JAYA: Traffic offenders need to be made aware of their responsibilities before being allowed to drive on the road again, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
The Alliance for a Safe Community chairman said some offenders may have completed their punishment but could still continue to have the same risky behaviour on the road.
“A driver whose licence has been suspended or revoked has already been identified as posing a higher safety risk.
“Continuing to drive despite such restrictions demonstrates a disregard not only for the law, but also for the safety and lives of other road users,” he said.
Lee said a licence suspension period alone does not necessarily change unsafe driving attitudes.
“Therefore, before being allowed back on the road, they should demonstrate that they have regained the required competency, awareness, and responsibility as a driver,” he said when commenting on the proposed increased penalties under the Road Transport (Amendment) Bill that was read for the second time in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday.
These amendments include three years in jail and a fine of up RM10,000 for those operating vehicles with suspended or revoked licences.
Lee said while the proposed increased penalties are welcome, more could be done to ensure long-term behavioural change.
“There is a need for a more integrated approach, which includes enforcement, education, rehabilitation, and competency reassessment.
“Offenders whose licences have been suspended or revoked due to serious traffic violations should be required to undergo a mandatory driving reassessment programme,” he said.
“These included practical driving competency tests, hazard perception assessment, road safety knowledge evaluation and behavioural and attitude assessment.
“This should form part of an integrated punishment framework before any consideration is given to licence reinstatement,” he added.
